Midlands

Care Catering in the Midlands

The Midlands Region of the NACC spans from Cheshire down to Gloucester and across to Lincoln.
The Midlands vision for 2024 is to raise awareness on future challenges in care new regulations / legislation. We are also looking to introducing new partners to the NACC forum in the way of care providers and suppliers. We plan to extend the knowledge base to care providers in the way of catering and caring for residents with dementia. We would also like to raise awareness for our Veterans by introducing keynote speakers to the NACC to share their passion for the Veteran Friendly Framework initiative and much more...

The Midlands Region Committee:

Darren Klein, PJ Care
Chair

Darren Klein is the Catering Manager at PJ Care, overseeing hospitality services for residents in Milton Keynes & Peterborough. He leads a dedicated team whose passion, creativity, and teamwork are essential in delivering exceptional, person-centred dining experiences across all three sites.

Andrew Cullum, Consultant & Trainer in IDDSI
Deputy Chair

Andy Cullum (The Iddsi Guy), Consultant, Trainer Helping care homes understand the iddsi framework, promoting food that looks like food as all our residents deserve to dine with dignity.

Andy has been a chef for over 30 years and brings a wealth of culinary experience to the healthcare sector. He focuses on aiding residents with dysphagia to dine with dignity by expertly modifying the texture of the meals served in care homes and presenting them in a luxurious manner.

His expertise extends beyond the kitchen. He imparts simple yet effective methods on how to present meals and drinks in a person-centred way. His contributions have been recognised with the prestigious Training and Apprenticeship Award in the 2024 Public Sector Catering Awards, a testament to his impact on catering and care team members across Avery Healthcare.

Andy is also a valued member of the National Association of Care Catering and the UK IDDSI Reference Group, promoting awareness and the ongoing use of the IDDSI Framework.

We welcome new members, if you would like to find out more about becoming a member of the Midlands Region or the events we hold, please feel free to contact us.

Regional Training Seminars & Events

View Previous Minutes, Newsletters and Presentations

Midlands Region Spring Seminar

Regional Event for Midlands

12th March 2026

Join us for a fresh, inspiring day focused on dignity in dining, bringing together care catering professionals at the iconic Mondelez International site in Bournville.

Through expert talks, interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and networking, the seminar explores how food, environment, and experience can enhance wellbeing in care.

Midlands Summer Seminar & Showcase

Regional Event for Midlands

2nd July 2026

We’re delighted to invite you to save the date for our NACC Midlands Summer Seminar & Showcase!

A vibrant, feel-good day celebrating IDDSI, innovation, creativity, and summer fun in the care sector.

Set in a beautiful countryside venue, this seminar will bring together chefs, care professionals, and industry experts for a day packed with learning, laughter, live cooking demos, and meaningful conversation — all with dignity in dining at its heart.

Midlands NACC News

Published: 3rd June 2025

Care Chef of the Year Regional Finalists Announced

Following the first round of judging, we are delighted to announce our regional finalists for the 2025 NACC Care Chef of the Year competition.

NEWS,Care Chef of the Year

Published: 19th March 2025

The NACC Voice Magazine Has Arrived – Read the First Issue!

NACC is delighted to share the first issue of NACC Voice magazine, a printed twist and turn publication in association with Care Home Catering Magazine.

NACC Voice, News

Read all Midlands region news

Minutes, Newsletters and Presentations

2025

NACC Midlands Winter Seminar – Attendence #2 Download

NACC Midlands Winter Seminar – Attendence #1 Download

NACC Midlands Winter Seminar – Event Summary Report Download

Darren Klein, PJ Care
Midlands Chair

Andrew Cullum, Consultant & Trainer in IDDSI
Midlands Deputy Chair

Email Region

How to get involved